Checking and Replacing Wiper
BladesCaution: Wiper blades do not lock into a
lifted position. When cleaning or
replacing a wiper blade, lift the wiper arm
only a short distance from the windshield,
just far enough to access the blade. Do not lift a wiper arm beyond its intendedposition. Doing so can cause damage thatis not covered by the warranty.
To make wiper blades easy to access, turn offthe wipers, shift Model S into Park, then use
the touchscreen to move them to the service
position. Touch Controls > Settings > Service
& Reset > Service Mode > ON .
Note: Wipers automatically return to their
normal position when you shift Model S out of
Park.
Periodically check and clean the edge of the wiper blade and check the rubber for cracks,
splits and roughness. If damaged, replace the
blade immediately to prevent damage to the glass.
Contaminants on the windshield, or on the wiper blades, can reduce the effectiveness of
the wiper blades. Contaminants include ice,
wax spray from car washes, washer fluid with
bug and/or water repellent, bird droppings,
tree sap, and other organic substances.
Follow these guidelines for cleaning:
• Clean the windshield using non-abrasive glass cleaner.
• Lift the wiper arm a short distance away from the windshield, just far enough toaccess the wiper blade, then wipe the
blade clean using isopropyl (rubbing)
alcohol or washer fluid.
If the wipers remain ineffective after cleaning,
replace the wiper blades.
For optimum performance, replace wiper
blades at least once a year.
To replace wiper blades:
1. Turn off the wipers, shift Model S into
Park, then use the touchscreen to move
the wipers to the service position. Touch
Controls > Settings > Service & Reset >
Service Mode > ON .
Note: Wipers must be OFF to turn on
Service Mode.
2. Lift the wiper arm a short distance away
from the windshield, just far enough to
access the wiper blade.
3. Hold the wiper arm (the wiper arm does
not lock into a lifted position) and press
the locking tab while sliding the blade
down the arm.
4. Align the new blade on the wiper arm and
slide it toward the hooked end of the arm
until it locks into place.
5. Place the wiper arm against the
windshield.
If the problem persists with new blades, clean
the windshield and wiper blades by wiping
with a soft cloth or sponge moistened with
warm water and non-detergent soap. Then,
rinse the windshield and wiper blades with clean water. The windshield is clean when
water beads do not form.
Caution: Only use cleaning products
approved for use on automotive glass and rubber. Inappropriate products can
cause damage or smears, and create
glare on the windshield.Caution: Only install replacement blades
that are identical to the original blades.
Using inappropriate blades can damage
the wiper system and affect the operation of the rain sensor.
Cleaning Washer Jets
The position of the windshield washers is set
at the factory and should never need adjusting.
If a windshield washer becomes blocked, use a
thin strand of wire to clear any blockages
from the nozzle.
Wiper Blades and Washer Jets
Maintenance121
Removing the Maintenance Panel
To access fuses and check fluid levels, remove the maintenance panel:
1. Pull the rear edge of the maintenance
panel upward to release the five clips that
hold the panel in place.
2. Maneuver the maintenance panel toward
the windshield to remove.Caution: The maintenance panel protects
the front trunk from water. When re- attaching, make sure it is fully seated.Checking Battery Coolant
If the quantity of fluid in the cooling system
drops below the recommended level, the
instrument panel displays a warning message.
Stop Model S as soon as safety permits and
contact Tesla.
Fluid Level Check
Tesla checks the Battery coolant level at the
regularly scheduled maintenance intervals. To
check it yourself, park Model S on level
ground. When Model S is cool, remove the
maintenance panel (see Removing the
Maintenance Panel on page 123).
Check the fluid level visually by looking at the
outside marks on the side of the reservoir. DO
NOT REMOVE THE FILLER CAP AND DO NOT ADD FLUID. Doing so can result in damage
not covered by the warranty.
The fluid level should be between the MIN and
the MAX marks. If you notice that the fluid
level has dropped significantly, contact Tesla before using Model S.
Topping Up the Battery Coolant
Under no circumstances should you add coolant. If the instrument panel warns youthat the fluid level is low, contact Teslaimmediately.
To maximize the performance and life of the Battery, the cooling system uses a specific
type of G-48 ethylene-glycol coolant (HOAT).
Contact Tesla for more specific information
about the coolant.
Fluid Reservoirs
Maintenance123
Driver and four passengersDescriptionTotalVehicle capacity weight954 lbs
(433 kg)Subtract occupant weight (5 x
150 lbs/68 kg)750 lbs
(340 kg)Available cargo weight204 lbs
(93 kg)
The available cargo or luggage weight should
then be distributed between the front and
rear trunks.
Caution: Do not exceed the maximum
front trunk load weight of 300 lbs
(136 kg).
Towing a Trailer
Warning: Do not use Model S for towing
purposes. Model S does not support a
trailer hitch. Installing one could cause
damage and increase the risk of an
accident.Caution: Using Model S for towing may
void the warranty.
Roof Racks
If Model S is equipped with the all glass
panoramic roof, you can carry up to 75 kg
using a Tesla-approved roof rack (see Parts
and Accessories on page 133). A Model S
equipped with a solid aluminum roof is incompatible with roof racks.
Caution: Damage caused by roof racks is
not covered by the warranty.Caution: Do not use roof racks, or place
any load, on the roof of a Model S that is equipped with a solid aluminum roof.Doing so can cause significant damage.
Vehicle Loading
Specifications137
WeightsCurb Weight* (85 kWh Battery)4,630 lbs2,100 kgCurb Weight* (60 kWh Battery)4,407 lbs1,999 kgGross Vehicle Weight Rating5,710 lbs2,590 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -
19" wheelsFront: 2,425 lbs
Rear: 3,285 lbsFront: 1,100 kgRear: 1,490 kgGross Vehicle Weight Distribution -
21" wheelsFront: 2,612 lbs
Rear: 3,097 lbsFront: 1,185 kgRear: 1,405 kgGross Axle Weight Rating- Front2,813 lbs1,276 kgGross Axle Weight Rating- Front
(Performance Plus models)2,723 lbs1,235 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 19"
wheels3,307 lbs1,500 kgGross Axle Weight Rating - Rear: 21"
wheels3,131 lbs1,420 kgTrailer TowingNot permissible*Curb Weight = weight of the vehicle with correct fluid levels, no occupants and no cargo
Dimensions and Weights
Specifications139
Use a Flatbed Only
Use a flatbed trailer only, unless otherwise
specified by Tesla. Do not transport Model S with the tires directly on the ground.Caution: Damage caused by transporting
is not covered by the warranty.Caution: To transport Model S, follow the
instructions exactly as described next.
Disable Self-Leveling (air
suspension vehicles only)
If Model S is equipped with Smart Air
Suspension, it automatically self-levels, even when power is off. To prevent damage, you
must activate Jack mode to disable self- leveling:
1. Touch Controls > Suspension on the
touchscreen.
2. Press the brake pedal, then touch Very
High to maximize height.
3. Touch Jack.
When Jack mode is active,
Model S displays this indicator
light on the instrument panel,
along with a message telling you
that active suspension is
disabled.
Note: Jack mode cancels when Model S is
driven over 4.5 mph (7 km/h).
Warning: Failure to activate Jack mode
on a Model S equipped with Smart Air
Suspension can result in the vehicle becoming loose during transport, which
may cause significant damage.Activate Tow Mode
Model S may automatically shift into Park
when it detects the driver leaving the vehicle, even if it has previously been shifted into
Neutral. To keep Model S in Neutral (which disengages the parking brake), you must use
the touchscreen to activate Tow mode:
1. Shift into Park.
2. Press the brake pedal, then on the
touchscreen, touch Controls > Settings >
Service & Reset > Tow Mode .When Tow mode is active, Model S
displays this indicator light on the
instrument panel, along with a
message telling you that Model S is
free-rolling.
Note: Tow mode cancels when Model S is
shifted into Park.
Caution: If the electrical system is not
working, and you therefore cannot
release the electric parking brake,
attempt to quick start the 12V battery.
For instructions, call Tesla. If a situation
occurs where you cannot disengage the
parking brake, use tire skids or transport
Model S for the shortest possible distance
using wheeled dollies. Before doing so,
always check the dolly manufacturer’s specifications and recommended load
capacity.
Instructions for Transporters
150Model S Owner's Manual
Connect the Tow Chain
The method used to connect the tow chain depends on whether Model S is equipped with
a towing eye (located in the front trunk).
If not equipped with a towing eye:
1. Attach the tow chains to the large hole on
each of the rearmost lower suspension arms underneath the front of the vehicle.
2. To protect the underbody from any
damage that could be caused by the tow
chains, place a 2" x 4" piece of wood
between the tow chains and the
underbody.
Caution: Before pulling, position the
wood between the tow chain and the
underbody to ensure the underbody is protected from any damage that couldbe caused by the tow chain.If equipped with a towing eye:
1. Remove the nose cone.
Insert a plastic pry tool into the top right
corner, and gently pry the nose cone
toward you. When the clip releases, pull
the nose cone toward you, without
twisting or bending, to release the three
remaining clips.
2. Insert the towing eye.
Fully insert the towing eye (found in the
front trunk) into the opening on the right
side, then turn it counter-clockwise until securely fastened.
3. Attach the tow chain to the towing eye.
Caution:
Before pulling, make sure the
towing eye is securely tightened.
Instructions for Transporters
Roadside Assistance151
tire repair kitinflating with air only 116
inflating with sealant 115
replacing the sealant canister 117tiresall-season 111
balancing 110
chains 112
industry glossary of terms 148
inspecting and maintaining 110
pressures, how to check 109
quality grading 147
replacing 111
replacing a tire sensor 113
rotation 110
specification 144
summer 111
temperature grades 147
tire markings 145
tire sealant 114
traction grade 147
treadwear grade 147
winter 112
touch up body 120
touchscreenclean mode 119
cleaning 119
Controls 74
overview 72
Settings 77
software updates 99
tow chain, connecting 151
Tow mode 150
towing 150
towing a trailer 137
towing instructions 150
TPMSFCC certification 158
overview of 112
traction control 54
trademarks 153, 154
traffic alerts 86
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control 60
trailer hitches 137
transmission specifications 140
Transport Canada, contacting 156
transporting 150
trip chart 70
trip information 69
trunk, front 12
trunk, rearchild protection lock 7
disabling interior handle 7
TuneIn 85
turn signals 50
U
uniform tire quality grading 147
Units & Format 77unlockingtrunk, front 12
trunk, rear 10
unlocking and locking doors 4
unlocking when key doesn't work 7
USB devicesconnecting 87
playing audio files from 86
USB ports 87
V
vehicle certification label 136
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 134
vehicle loading 135
vent, sunroof 15
ventilation 82
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 134
volume control 72
W
walk-away locking 7
Wall Connector 102
warning flashers 50
warning lights, summary of 44
washer fluid, topping up 125
washer jets, cleaning 121
washers, using 51
weight specifications 139
wheel chocks 152
wheelsalignment 110
replacing 111
specifications 143
Wi-Fi, connecting to 98
windshield washer fluid, topping up 125
winter tires 112
wiper blades, replacing 121
wipers and washers 51
wipers, de-icing 51
X
XM radio 85
Index
164Model S Owner's Manual